Detroit Lions still minus Ndamukong Suh at ‘voluntary’ workouts

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) rushes the Green Bay Packers line during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

The defensive tackle was the subject of much discussion at a town hall meeting for Lions’ season ticket holders at Ford Field on Monday night.

“I have no doubt Ndamukong is training hard. He actually brought his trainers in from Oregon in to meet with us, to let us know what his program is in the offseason,’’ Lions president Tom Lewand said.

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“But when you talk about a player being able to be prepared to be the best he possibly can be, I am a firm believer that the absolutely best place in the country, in the world to get better as a Detroit Lion is 222 Republic Drive in Allen Park, Michigan at the practice facility with these men and their staff,’’ Lewand added.

Not only are the Lions working on strength and conditioning in this two-week block of the offseason program, they’re in the classroom starting on the installation of the new offense and defense.

“The rules are exactly what they say they are voluntary,’’ coach Jim Caldwell said. “Obviously from a coaching standpoint, obviously we do this for a living, we’d like to have him every minute of every day, every single player, just to get our system in place.’’

Caldwell has talked to Suh as much or more than any player.

“I think you’re still going to see him have a very, very positive impact on our team,’’ Caldwell said.

Lewand is also negotiating with Suh’s agent for a contract extension. He called the talks “civil and productive.’’

The discussion didn’t start until March because Suh took his time in hiring a new agent.

“The timing is less important than the outcome,’’ Lewand said.

Stafford excites Lombardi

Until last week, new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi didn’t have a chance to work with quarterback Matthew Stafford who has been in attendance every day in the workout program.

Lombardi has learned much from working with Stafford which is limited to the classroom for the first two weeks.

“I’ve got more excited as I’ve worked with him the last couple weeks,’’ Lombardi said. “He’s a gym rat, he wants to be good, you can see it in meeting rooms how hard he studies and the questions he asks. This game is very important to him and the Lions are very important to him and being successful for this team is very important to him.

“When you add talent to smarts to work ethic I think that’s an equation for success,’’ said Lombardi who worked with Drew Brees for the past five seasons in New Orleans.

Prior to working with Stafford, Lombardi did his homework and watched film.

“As you watch him on film the first thing that jumps off is his talent,’’ Lombardi said. “He’s got incredible amount of talent, he’s got enough athleticism, and for the most part, I think he makes good decisions,’’ Lombardi said.

Draft day moves

The Lions, who have the 10th pick in the draft, have not been shy about divulging their interest in wide receiver Sammy Watkins who is expected to be at least a top five draft pick.

There have been reports this week that Jadeveon Clowney, who might be the top pick, is coming to Detroit for a visit.

Of course, nothing was revealed about the Lions draft plans by Sheldon White, the Lions vice president of pro personnel.

When master of ceremonies Dan Miller mentioned Clowney, the entire panel looked like they had never heard of him.

White explained what goes into the thinking of moving up or down the draft board to get the best possible player for the Lions.

“First off you have to decide, to determine whether you have a player that fits what you want,’’ White said. “How many of those blue chip players are ahead of you, if we’re picking at 10 and there’s only seven of those guys we may consider moving up to pick that seventh guy. If there’s 13 of them we might move down to 13, but you better be able to count and make sure whether you move up or down that you’re picking a player that fits you and has exactly what you’re looking for.’’

Several times throughout the evening character was mentioned as a key component in a free agent signing or a draft pick.

White said they want guys with “high integrity, high motor and a guy who finishes well.’’

About the Author

Paula Pasche is a longtime sports writer for The Oakland Press and blogs at http://oplions.blogspot.com/. Author of book, "100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die." Follow on Tout and Twitter @paulapasche. Reach the author at paula.pasche@oakpress.com
or follow Paula on Twitter: @PaulaPasche.